Taba Village: A Hidden Gem Near the Salma Mountains
Nestled in the Hail region, Taba village stands proudly next to the majestic Salma Mountains, luring in a growing number of tourists with its unique history. Built on the edge of an extinct volcano’s crater during pre-Islamic times, this ancient village is a sight to behold.
Situated approximately 90 km southeast of Hail City, Taba belongs to the Al-Shanan governorate, renowned for its lush farms, date palm groves, ancient wells, and historic inscriptions. It is also home to one of the largest dormant volcanoes in the northwest of Saudi Arabia.
Boasting a population of around 5,000 residents, Taba has emerged as a significant tourist hotspot in Hail, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond, as per the latest report by the Saudi Press Agency.
However, life in Taba hasn’t been without its challenges. In 1983, the village was rattled by consecutive earthquakes, resulting in severe damage to buildings and extensive cracks in the ground, some exceeding 3 meters in width.
Despite the adversity, Bariqa Al-Shammari, a local resident, commended the government’s swift response, which included providing loans and financial aid to affected residents and farmers.
Mohammed Al-Sanitan, another villager, recalled how the government promptly formed a committee to assess the situation and implement safety measures to prevent future disasters.
In a recent development, the Saudi Cabinet approved additional compensation of SR200,000 ($53,000) for every individual impacted by the natural calamity, or their heirs. Grateful beneficiaries extended their heartfelt thanks to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their unwavering support.